Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/20/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I was told by ************************* that I could get my money back. He was ******* me to sign and how they could help me with my tax. I got sick trying to pay the $327.00, My Lupus stared flaring up and I went to the *** Now I got more meds to take watch are expensive. I am under a lot of stress due to this matter I called ***** and said I could not do it anymore. He said it would not be a problem. Now I talk to ******* at Tax Relief and he said they will not let me out the contact which is $6,900.00. The money has to go back to Union Credit and they phone number is **************. I called them they said they will let their manager know and they should send the money back. Tax Relief will not let me out of the contact they are not doing my tax anymore they want to hold on to the $6,900 and my payments I made. Can you please help me. Tax Relief number ************** . Please help me get out of this contract. They did not explain this to me and I would have never sign a contract not know I could not get out of it.My phone number is ************

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/26/2023

  Hello *****,
  
  Since your submission, we have been able to speak with you directly about this. We apologize for any stress or concerns. However, the money-back promise to which you are referring is our initial first phase's 3-day money-back cancellation policy. We are sorry, but we are unable to refund or modify your monthly resolution payment, as we have respectfully reminded you. We are more than happy to put your case on hold, as we previously agreed with you. As soon as you're ready to move forward with a thorough resolution, we'll be pleased to proceed.
  
  All the best,
  
  Client Care Team

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/19/2023

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Absolutely no contact to resolve my previous complaints. Tried calling them and they do not return your calls. They stole $595.00 for a retainer fee and when you expressed concern over their pricing for ongoing service they ran. This company is an absolute farce and scam. Run, stay away from this fraudulent company Tax Relief Advocates you will regret ever having contacted them to handle your tax problems. Im $595.00 poorer for having attempted business with this good for nothing outfit!! Stay away!!!

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/18/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I contact tax advocate regarding my taxes with the **** I spoke with **** who told me before anything I have to pay $695 retention fee. I paid with my credit card and that in a couple of days, they will get back to me on the *** transcript. **** got back to me on the 5th day and told me about the script and my fee will be $5,500. I wanted a negotiation, but not willing to negotiate the service fee. I told him I dont want to go further and will need my retainment fee back. He refused. This is not helpful with what this companies are actually doing out here. I just want my $695 back.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/24/2023

  Hello *****,
  
  To be clear, the process you are describing is our two-phase approach, with the tax investigation phase serving as the first and the resolution phase as the second. The first phase, which is covered by the retainer fee, we extensively investigate your tax issue and get in touch with the *** to ascertain its scope. Our tax specialists then create a resolution plan that maximizes your savings based on our findings. In the event that we are unable to help our clients save more money than they paid for the tax investigation, we promise to honor their money back. We do not offer refunds to clients who are just unhappy because they were unable to lower our service rates.
  
  After reviewing your file, we have confirmed so far that your tax investigation was successfully completed, transcripts supplied, and a resolution plan with **************** prepared. If you would like to move forward, we would be happy to do so. You are more than welcome to contact us straight away.
  
  All the best,
  
  Client Care Team
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/11/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Sent them thousands of dollars to file my taxes, for which I had to take out a loan. It has been months and they still have yet to file my taxes and keep sending me incorrect information.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/14/2023

  Hello *****,
  
  After evaluating your file, we can see that there were a few small snags in the process of completing your tax returns. Please be reassured that we are actively pursuing your file to provide the best outcome for you. Our priority is to fix this and get you back as a happy client. Your compliance with your tax duties is our primary goal. Call ************** to reach our customer service line with any questions or concerns.
  
  Best *********************** Team

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/11/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  THIS COMPANY IS SCAM.Please be aware of all these posting.They force people to write the good reviews right after you sign up with them when they promise the world to settle your debt with IRS and you only pay $100 for your balace to IRS.They charged me over $10,000 and after two years they told me that for your entire balance all they can do is payment paln.They were not settle anything NOT EVEN $1.Payment paln with you balance can easily done by anyone and nobady needs to pay anythings.Again,this company is A BIG SCAM.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/14/2023

  Hello, Matin.
  
  As we have previously informed you, we cherish all client reviews and give each client the chance to give their own, unfiltered evaluation on our services. After reviewing your file, we have confirmed that you were able to discuss your refund request with management. We are more than pleased to honor the refund request, as we have respectfully informed you, after the merchant dispute is resolved and the monies are returned. We are unable to provide an anticipated timeframe for when the dispute will be fully completed on the bank's end. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. You can reach our *************************** directly at **************.
  
  Kind *********************** Team

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/10/2023

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Be Careful. TRA is terrible. I was supposed to have a resolution to my 2022 tax bill in March. I started paying ************ in April. Now I am receiving bills from the **** The *** states that there has been no activity from TRA. When I ***************************************************, he is short with me and tells me I need to speak with *******************. When I call *******************, he is very snotty and short with me and tells me I need to talk with ***********************************. This evening ******************* actually hung up on me. I still have no resolution, am paying ************ monthly and still owe the **** Stay away from TRA!!!

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/14/2023

  **************************
  
  We are dedicated to proving our value to every client and take our reputation very seriously. In our analysis of your file, we determined that your failure to provide us with the necessary documentation and your unwillingness to cooperate with the process delayed a resolution plan. It is our tax *********************** to complete the resolution plan as quickly as possible for your evaluation now that we have the necessary documentation. We are standing by to help you and your two designated representatives are more than willing to help. Please call our customer service line directly at ************** if it makes you feel more at ease.
  
  Best regards,
  Client Care Team
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/07/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I have made two payments $200.00 each. TRA was supposed to investigate IRS taxes I should pay and negotiate lower taxes based on my situation. I have made many calls over the last week to cancel the program and get a refund as verbally promised ** *****************************, an agent of Tax Relief Advocates. H has mot answered any call. Voicemail messages **** left and lately transferred to a different person who has not returned any of my calls. My internet research of Tax Relief Advocates indicates this is likely a scam.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/11/2023

  Good ********************
  
  You have had a chance to speak with management after bringing your issues to our attention. We are sorry to hear that you feel there was insufficient communication; however, we do recognize your concerns and annoyances. We can reassure you that we are a well-regarded business that offers excellent service. We will honor the $100 refund, as we directly agreed with you. If you have any questions or other concerns, do not hesitate to contact us.
  
  Sincerely, 
  the *********** Team
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/06/2023

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Business was going to provide a service that has not and will not be provided. They were going to not only file my 2021 tax return but file a Tax Relief Service with and/or Offer and Compromise. 2021 Tax returns were never filed with the **** IRS has added additional fees due to tax return not being filed a tax lien is set on my house as well. Total paid in $1995.00 . Stated after the last payment that I still needed to pay ******** to have anything done. I have informed them several times that I am cancelling with them and want a refund. I have tried settling with different managers ************************* and *******. Called and emailed several times thought the year with no specific resolution. I just want my money back for a service that was never provided. Stated this several times even informed them that I would go to BBB for help

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/12/2023

  Hello Crystal,
  
  We carefully reviewed your file and have confirmed that we have been unable to proceed with your case because it is still in a delinquent state since September 2022. According to our records, management made an effort to get in touch with you and left a detailed voicemail message describing the service that was carried out, the procedure for non-payment, and direct contact information to assist with any concerns. We would be more than happy to move forward with your case and assist you further so that it can be entirely settled. Please call us back at **************, which is our customer service number, as soon as possible.
  
  Sincerely,
  Client Care Team
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/12/2023

  I no longer need their assistance as I am dealing with the *** directly. I will not go forward with them and have stated this numerous times. Please refund the money taken 

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/21/2023

  Hello *******,
  
  We understand that you do not wish to move forward. A staff member from our team will get in touch with you directly to handle your refund request. You should hear from us within 24 to 48 business hours.
  
  All the best,
  Client Care Team
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/05/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I called them because I was under a time constraint and was just starting a new job. They 1st told me how they can get my Tax liability down to little to nothing, also will verify I received all the stimulus money and with my income breakdown my payment should be low. Well at the time I did not have the full amount and he said we can start with as little as $100 now and $100 in two weeks . When the 2nd payment was due I asked what progress was done. They said we are 85% done then they ran the final payment and I had my card froze and I called to tell them I would unfreeze my card and asked about progress they said we are 85% done need that final payment to complete. So I said I would unfreeze and then they processed the payment on Monday and Called me back on Tuesday that my file would be ready for review on Thursday. and they came back with me maybe paying the *** as little as $1500 but it would take $5000 to complete. For $6500 I know that I could do better on my own with the *** they offer nothing except to make their money

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/11/2023

  Hello, ***********
  
  In response to a client's request for a payment plan, we are unable to release the results of the tax investigation until the retainer is entirely paid. Before we carefully review your IRS case, we make every effort to ensure that each client is aware of this. According to our records, we offered you a resolution plan to lower the overall IRS balance on your behalf. When we are successful in developing a resolution plan with savings, there is a nonrefundable policy in place; please see the service agreement for more information. We would be happy to investigate your concerns further and find a satisfactory solution. Please return our call as soon as you can by using our **************** line directly at **************.
  
  All the best,
  
  Client Care Team
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/05/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Tax Relief Advocates called me and asked me questions about my taxes due and my status to pay. I told them that I lost my job and exactly how much I have in all of my accounts, including an emphasized note many times over that there is a substantial amount in brokerage accounts. I asked on EVERY phone call (check - the calls are recorded) if the brokerage money would make me ineligible for reduced taxes. EVERY time their answer was that IF the amount of the tax reduction is not at LEAST as large as the amount I am paying them (over $5000 on a $22,000 tax debt) then I will receive my money back. After several months of nothing from them, only me sending them notices from the *** and ultimately giving notice of unemployment money, they tell me that I won't be able to get anything reduced because of these brokerage accounts. I have not had a job from February to July and still do not. I have used up my bank account checking/savings and yet haven't even received a check from unemployment. They call to tell me what amounts of money I can start sending to ***. I said that I could figure out that on my own - you were supposed to work on a discount. At this point, I want the refund for no advantage given. But I also believe that they had 100% of the knowledge of my accounts and situation from the beginning which we not only discussed several times with several staff there but also was provided in all in writing submitted to them. YET with this knowledge, they KNEW I wouldn't be able to get a tax break and still signed me up and took my money ($5000 of the ***** I had in the bank at the time, knowing that I have no income as a single parent of 2 kids). That is what I think is not okay. I think TRA are not being honest and this is likely a trend., They didn't offer me the money back after they failed to provide help, as they said their contract guarantees. Instead, they tell me to just start paying the *** back. How many cases have been like this? Why are they A+??

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/11/2023

  Good day, *******************
  
  Since your submission, we have been able to communicate with you directly, and as was politely stated, our senior tax professionals are exploring all of your best alternatives given your present job situation. We place a high importance on client happiness and our reputation while, where necessary, honoring the money-back guarantee. We are making progress on identifying the ideal solution for you, so please do not worry. Please be patient with us as we work and give us an opportunity to address any questions or issues you may have directly.
  
  
  Kind regards,
  
  Client Care Team
  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/11/2023

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  Regards,
  
  ***********************************